Black shoes in summer?

July 25, 10:35 AMMen's Style ExaminerStile E. Coyote

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is it OK to wear black shoes in the summer? Would you consider giving me a hand or at least some advice based on your experience?  — Larry 

Hey Larry. No worries and sure, I'll lend a hand. The simple answer — which women have known for years — is yes, black shoes in summer. Heck, black shoes anytime. Best yet is a woman's pair of black shoes that you have to look for on your floor come morning. But I digress.

The sartorial dilemmas we face don't get much greater than wondering what kind of shoes to wear. So I'll make it simple for you: Yes. Wear them to work, wear them with friends. Wear them anytime. 

I suggest pairing them with chinos (above) or with jeans. Medium-to-dark jeans look best with a nice pair of lace-ups, either plain-toe Oxfords (J.Crew $155) or wing tips (Bostonian Whatley $100). And you can do the same with chinos: light khaki or tans. (When you verge into browns, however, reconsider your shoe color choice). 

Of course then there's the matter of the belt. Keep it matching. Black shoes = black belt. The socks can match the color of your pants (again, see above), or go completely off the scale and verge into a color statement. But definitely wear socks. These aren't boat shoes. And Larry, you're not Italian.

Go ahead and wear black, but definitely wear socks. These aren't boat shoes, and you're not Italian.

For a summer look, I like a nice crisp dress shirt or woven linen shirt with a black belt and khaki-colored chinos when I wear my blacks. Or the same up top with a pair of jeans. Slightly disheveled or untucked, but for more dressier evenings (like, um, dinner) tuck that in, Larry. The casual look is usually best for evenings with the boys. Grab a light-weight v-neck sweater to take along for crisp evenings, and make it pop with some color. (Just don't tie it around your neck. You're not in Vampire Weekend.)

Style Rule No. 91: Don't wear black shoes with shorts.

You didn't ask, but some other great shoes to wear come summer are plentiful: Aussie desert boots like Clarks ($95) or something their Wallabee ($130), which is equally fun. Suede bucks in light colors, classic white kicks or even some Converse All Stars, or sandals (no, not flip-flops). 

 View all 30 Days of Summer Style